Aerobic Gymnastics PerformanceNCT07860242
Combined Rhodiola Rosea and Caffeine Supplementation for Aerobic Gymnastics Performance
A study testing Rhodiola rosea Supplementation, Caffeine Supplementation and Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics Training in people with Aerobic Gymnastics Performance and Sports Performance, run by Beijing Sport University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
Aerobic gymnastics requires repeated explosive movements, upper-body support elements, and the ability to maintain performance under fatigue. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluates the effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation, acute caffeine ingestion, and their combination on… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 24 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Aerobic Gymnastics Performance, Sports Performance, Exercise Recovery
- What is being tested?
- Rhodiola rosea Supplementation, Caffeine Supplementation and Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics Training
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 96 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 15 Mar 2026to 21 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 24 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Female athletes aged 18-24 years.
- At least 3 years of systematic competitive aerobic gymnastics training.
- Participation in structured aerobic gymnastics training at least three times per week.
- Competition at regional level or above during the previous 2 years.
- Ability to complete all required aerobic gymnastics test procedures with technically valid execution.
- Stable training participation during the previous 8 weeks.
- Agreement to avoid initiating new nutritional supplements during the intervention.
Who cannot join
- Current musculoskeletal injury limiting training or testing.
- Cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, endocrine, renal, or other medical conditions incompatible with maximal exercise testing or supplementation.
- Use of anabolic agents, stimulants, weight-loss drugs, or other performance-enhancing substances.
- Known hypersensitivity or intolerance to Rhodiola rosea, caffeine, or study capsule components.
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Use of medications with clinically relevant interactions with study supplements.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Combined Rhodiola Rosea and Caffeine Supplementation Improves Sport-Specific Performance and Recovery in Female Aerobic Gymnasts: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Aerobic gymnastics requires repeated explosive movements, upper-body support elements, and the ability to maintain performance under fatigue. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluates the effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation, acute caffeine ingestion, and their combination on sport-specific performance and recovery in female competitive aerobic gymnasts.
Ninety-six female aerobic gymnasts will be randomly assigned to placebo, Rhodiola rosea, caffeine, or combined Rhodiola rosea plus caffeine groups. All participants will complete an 8-week standardized aerobic gymnastics training program. Rhodiola rosea will be supplemented daily during the intervention period, while caffeine or matched placebo will be administered before post-intervention performance testing.
The primary outcome is the change in Specific Aerobic Gymnastics Anaerobic Test (SAGAT) total completion time. Secondary outcomes include neuromuscular performance, fatigue-related responses, perceived exertion, muscle soreness, and perceived recovery status.
Read the detailed description
This study is an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-arm parallel-group trial designed to investigate the independent and combined effects of chronic Rhodiola rosea supplementation and acute caffeine ingestion during standardized aerobic gymnastics training.
Female competitive aerobic gymnasts aged 18-24 years will be recruited and randomly allocated in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to four groups: placebo, Rhodiola rosea supplementation, caffeine supplementation, and combined Rhodiola rosea plus caffeine supplementation.
All participants will complete the same standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week for 8 weeks. Participants assigned to Rhodiola rosea groups will receive daily supplementation throughout the intervention period. Participants assigned to caffeine groups will receive a single caffeine dose before the post-intervention testing session, while control groups will receive matched placebo preparations.
Performance and recovery assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention. The primary outcome is the between-group difference in change in SAGAT total completion time, a sport-specific anaerobic performance test developed for aerobic gymnastics. Secondary assessments include countermovement jump performance, knee-extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction, rate of force development, repeated-jump fatigue, support endurance, perceived exertion, delayed-onset muscle soreness, and perceived recovery status.
The study aims to determine whether Rhodiola rosea supplementation, caffeine administration, or their combination can enhance sport-specific performance and recovery characteristics in competitive aerobic gymnasts.
- Conditions
- Aerobic Gymnastics Performance, Sports Performance, Exercise Recovery, Nutritional Supplementation
- Being tested
- Rhodiola rosea Supplementation, Caffeine Supplementation, Placebo, Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics Training
- Keywords
- Rhodiola rosea, Caffeine, Aerobic gymnastics, Sport-specific performance, Neuromuscular fatigue, Recovery
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Rhodiola rosea SupplementationDietary supplement
Participants received standardized Rhodiola rosea root extract supplementation daily for 8 weeks during the intervention period. The Rhodiola rosea supplementation was administered alongside a standardized aerobic gymnastics training program performed three times per week.
Caffeine SupplementationDietary supplement
Participants received a single acute dose of caffeine before the post-intervention testing session. Caffeine was administered 60 minutes before performance assessment, while matched placebo was provided to non-caffeine groups.
PlaceboOther
Participants received matched placebo capsules corresponding to Rhodiola rosea and/or caffeine preparations according to their randomized group assignment.
Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics TrainingBehavioural
All participants completed a standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week for 8 weeks under coach supervision.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Participants received matched placebo capsules throughout the intervention period and completed the standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week for 8 weeks. Receives: Other: Placebo; Behavioral: Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics Training |
| Rhodiola rosea Supplementation | Experimental | Participants received standardized Rhodiola rosea supplementation daily for 8 weeks and completed the standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week. Rhodiola rosea was administered throughout the intervention period. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea Supplementation; Behavioral: Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics Training |
| Caffeine Supplementation | Experimental | Participants received a single dose of caffeine before the post-intervention testing session and completed the standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week for 8 weeks. A matched placebo was provided during the chronic supplementation period. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Caffeine Supplementation; Behavioral: Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics Training |
| Rhodiola rosea Plus Caffeine Supplementation | Experimental | Participants received daily Rhodiola rosea supplementation for 8 weeks and a single caffeine dose before the post-intervention testing session. Participants also completed the standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea Supplementation; Dietary Supplement: Caffeine Supplementation; Behavioral: Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Specific Aerobic Gymnastics Anaerobic Test (SAGAT) Total Completion Time
Sport-specific anaerobic performance will be assessed using the Specific Aerobic Gymnastics Anaerobic Test (SAGAT). Total completion time will be recorded using a calibrated digital stopwatch (HS-80TW-1, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Lower completion time indicates better sport-specific performance.
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (10)
Countermovement Jump Height
Countermovement jump height will be assessed using a force platform (Kistler 9287BA, Kistler Group, Winterthur, Switzerland) sampling vertical ground-reaction force at 1000 Hz. The best valid trial according to jump height will be retained for analysis.
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks
Countermovement Jump Peak Power
Countermovement jump peak power will be calculated from vertical ground-reaction force and center-of-mass velocity collected using the Kistler 9287BA force platform (Kistler Group, Winterthur, Switzerland). Peak power will be expressed in watts (W).
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks
Knee-Extensor Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction
Knee-extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque will be assessed using the Biodex System 4 Pro isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY, USA). The highest valid torque value from three maximal contractions will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks
Rate of Force Development
Rate of force development during knee extension will be calculated from torque-time curves collected using the Biodex System 4 Pro isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY, USA). RFD will be calculated over the first 100 ms after contraction onset and expressed in N·m/s.
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks
Repeated-Jump Fatigue Index
Repeated-jump fatigue resistance will be assessed using a 30-second repeated maximal-jump test performed on a force platform (Kistler 9287BA, Kistler Group, Winterthur, Switzerland). The fatigue index will be calculated as the percentage decline between the mean peak power of the first five and final five valid jumps. Higher values indicate greater performance decline.
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks
Thirty-Second Push-Up Performance
Upper-body support endurance will be assessed using a standardized 30-second push-up test. The number of technically valid repetitions completed within 30 seconds will be recorded.
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks
L-Support Hold Duration
Static support endurance will be assessed using a standardized L-support hold test. Hold duration will be recorded using a stopwatch and expressed in seconds.
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks
Rating of Perceived Exertion
Perceived exertion after SAGAT will be assessed using the Borg Category-Ratio 10 (CR10) Scale. Scores range from 0 (no exertion) to 10 (maximal exertion), with higher scores indicating greater perceived exertion.
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks
Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness
Delayed-onset muscle soreness will be assessed 24 hours after SAGAT testing using a 0-10 numeric rating scale. Higher scores indicate greater perceived muscle soreness.
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks
Perceived Recovery Status
Perceived recovery status will be assessed 24 hours after SAGAT testing using a 0-10 scale. Higher scores indicate better perceived recovery status.
Measured: Baseline to 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Oct 2026
- Study start15 Mar 2026
- Primary completion20 Aug 2026
- Study completion21 Aug 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Aerobic Gymnastics PerformanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to parallel intervention groups.
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 96 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Beijing Sport University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Wuhan Sports University, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07860242
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RHOCAF-AG-2026075
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data collected during the study, including the individual participant data underlying the reported results, may be shared with qualified researchers upon reasonable request after publication of the primary results. Data sharing will be subject to approval by the study investigators and applicable ethical and privacy regulations.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Combined Rhodiola Rosea and Caffeine Supplementation Improves Sport-Specific Performance and Recovery in Female Aerobic Gymnasts: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07860242
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RHOCAF-AG-2026075
- Conditions
- Aerobic Gymnastics Performance, Sports Performance, Exercise Recovery, Nutritional Supplementation
- Keywords
- Rhodiola rosea, Caffeine, Aerobic gymnastics, Sport-specific performance, Neuromuscular fatigue, Recovery
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 96 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Beijing Sport UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Wuhan Sports University, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
- Study start
- 15 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 21 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Aerobic gymnastics requires repeated explosive movements, upper-body support elements, and the ability to maintain performance under fatigue. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluates the effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation, acute caffeine ingestion, and their combination on sport-specific performance and recovery in female competitive aerobic gymnasts.
Ninety-six female aerobic gymnasts will be randomly assigned to placebo, Rhodiola rosea, caffeine, or combined Rhodiola rosea plus caffeine groups. All participants will complete an 8-week standardized aerobic gymnastics training program. Rhodiola rosea will be supplemented daily during the intervention period, while caffeine or matched placebo will be administered before post-intervention performance testing.
The primary outcome is the change in Specific Aerobic Gymnastics Anaerobic Test (SAGAT) total completion time. Secondary outcomes include neuromuscular performance, fatigue-related responses, perceived exertion, muscle soreness, and perceived recovery status.
Detailed description
This study is an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-arm parallel-group trial designed to investigate the independent and combined effects of chronic Rhodiola rosea supplementation and acute caffeine ingestion during standardized aerobic gymnastics training.
Female competitive aerobic gymnasts aged 18-24 years will be recruited and randomly allocated in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to four groups: placebo, Rhodiola rosea supplementation, caffeine supplementation, and combined Rhodiola rosea plus caffeine supplementation.
All participants will complete the same standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week for 8 weeks. Participants assigned to Rhodiola rosea groups will receive daily supplementation throughout the intervention period. Participants assigned to caffeine groups will receive a single caffeine dose before the post-intervention testing session, while control groups will receive matched placebo preparations.
Performance and recovery assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention. The primary outcome is the between-group difference in change in SAGAT total completion time, a sport-specific anaerobic performance test developed for aerobic gymnastics. Secondary assessments include countermovement jump performance, knee-extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction, rate of force development, repeated-jump fatigue, support endurance, perceived exertion, delayed-onset muscle soreness, and perceived recovery status.
The study aims to determine whether Rhodiola rosea supplementation, caffeine administration, or their combination can enhance sport-specific performance and recovery characteristics in competitive aerobic gymnasts.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 4
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to parallel intervention groups.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Other: Placebo, Behavioral: Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics TrainingParticipants received matched placebo capsules throughout the intervention period and completed the standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week for 8 weeks. |
| Rhodiola rosea Supplementation | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea Supplementation, Behavioral: Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics TrainingParticipants received standardized Rhodiola rosea supplementation daily for 8 weeks and completed the standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week. Rhodiola rosea was administered throughout the intervention period. |
| Caffeine Supplementation | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Caffeine Supplementation, Behavioral: Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics TrainingParticipants received a single dose of caffeine before the post-intervention testing session and completed the standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week for 8 weeks. A matched placebo was provided during the chronic supplementation period. |
| Rhodiola rosea Plus Caffeine Supplementation | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea Supplementation, Dietary Supplement: Caffeine Supplementation, Behavioral: Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics TrainingParticipants received daily Rhodiola rosea supplementation for 8 weeks and a single caffeine dose before the post-intervention testing session. Participants also completed the standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 24 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Female athletes aged 18-24 years.
- At least 3 years of systematic competitive aerobic gymnastics training.
- Participation in structured aerobic gymnastics training at least three times per week.
- Competition at regional level or above during the previous 2 years.
- Ability to complete all required aerobic gymnastics test procedures with technically valid execution.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Current musculoskeletal injury limiting training or testing.
- Cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, endocrine, renal, or other medical conditions incompatible with maximal exercise testing or supplementation.
- Use of anabolic agents, stimulants, weight-loss drugs, or other performance-enhancing substances.
- Known hypersensitivity or intolerance to Rhodiola rosea, caffeine, or study capsule components.
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Rhodiola rosea SupplementationParticipants received standardized Rhodiola rosea root extract supplementation daily for 8 weeks during the intervention period. The Rhodiola rosea supplementation was administered alongside a standardized aerobic gymnastics training program performed three times per week. | Dietary supplement | Rhodiola rosea Plus Caffeine Supplementation, Rhodiola rosea Supplementation |
| Caffeine SupplementationParticipants received a single acute dose of caffeine before the post-intervention testing session. Caffeine was administered 60 minutes before performance assessment, while matched placebo was provided to non-caffeine groups. | Dietary supplement | Caffeine Supplementation, Rhodiola rosea Plus Caffeine Supplementation |
| PlaceboParticipants received matched placebo capsules corresponding to Rhodiola rosea and/or caffeine preparations according to their randomized group assignment. | Other | Placebo |
| Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics TrainingAll participants completed a standardized aerobic gymnastics training program three times per week for 8 weeks under coach supervision. | Behavioural | Caffeine Supplementation, Placebo, Rhodiola rosea Plus Caffeine Supplementation, Rhodiola rosea Supplementation |
Primary outcome
Specific Aerobic Gymnastics Anaerobic Test (SAGAT) Total Completion Time
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
Sport-specific anaerobic performance will be assessed using the Specific Aerobic Gymnastics Anaerobic Test (SAGAT). Total completion time will be recorded using a calibrated digital stopwatch (HS-80TW-1, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Lower completion time indicates better sport-specific performance.
10 secondary outcomes
Countermovement Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
Countermovement Jump Peak Power
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
Knee-Extensor Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
Rate of Force Development
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
Repeated-Jump Fatigue Index
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
Thirty-Second Push-Up Performance
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
L-Support Hold Duration
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
Rating of Perceived Exertion
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
Perceived Recovery Status
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data collected during the study, including the individual participant data underlying the reported results, may be shared with qualified researchers upon reasonable request after publication of the primary results. Data sharing will be subject to approval by the study investigators and applicable ethical and privacy regulations.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Rhodiola rosea Supplementation, Caffeine Supplementation and Standardized Aerobic Gymnastics Training in people with Aerobic Gymnastics Performance and Sports Performance, run by Beijing Sport University at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Specific Aerobic Gymnastics Anaerobic Test (SAGAT) Total Completion Time (time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Oct 2026.